New Video Games Let You Show Off Your Speed, Strength and Abilities

Wednesday

Feb 20, 2013 at 9:59 AM

“Crysis 3” boasts some truly striking graphics.

KYLE KENNEDYTHE LEDGER

This week's release schedule is chock full of high-tech super soldiers.In “Crysis 3” (360, PS3, PC; rated Mature), you play as Prophet, a soldier encased in an advanced “nanosuit” that grants special strength, speed and cloaking abilities. Prophet is on a mission to save mankind (of course) from the Cell Corporation and a race of aliens known as the Ceph. The new additions to his arsenal include a high-powered bow with explosive or electric arrows, and you can also make use of exotic alien weaponry.“Crysis 3” bills itself as a “sandbox” shooter, referring to the game's spacious levels and the host of powers/weapons at your disposal. There's a lot of flexibility in how you approach combat and mission objectives.As with previous titles in the series, “Crysis 3” boasts some truly striking graphics, especially if you're playing on PC. The game world is split into seven diverse landscapes within the “futuristic urban rainforest” of the New York Liberty Dome, each of which has unique terrain and enemies to master.“Metal Gear Rising Revengeance” (360, PS3; rated Mature) is another big release launching this week. It's an action-oriented spinoff to the stealthy “Metal Gear” franchise, putting you in the role of Raiden, a cyborg ninja with an ultra-deadly katana. “Revengeance” is set within the “Metal Gear” universe — taking place after the events of “Metal Gear Solid 4” — but the emphasis is on fast and flashy swordplay. It was developed through a partnership with Platinum Games, known for action-packed fare like “Bayonetta” and “Vanquish.”It might be time to jump back in to “Assassin's Creed 3” (multiple platforms). The 2012 hit receives a significant, downloadable add-on this week called “The Infamy,” which is the first of three episodes in the alternate history storyline “The Tyranny of King Washington.” As the name implies, the new download takes place after the American Revolution, when George Washington has risen to power as a tyrannical monarch. You once again play as Connor, “AC III's” Native American protagonist, as he attempts to dethrone Washington and restore freedom. The add-on includes a number of new skills that affect Connor's strength, speed and stealth. “The Infamy” is priced at $10.Last but certainly not least, I have some fantastic news for old school PC gamers: The 1999 action/role-playing/survival horror classic “System Shock 2” can finally be purchased online. “SS2” is widely considered one of the best games of its kind and is simply one of the best PC games ever made. You can get it for $10 at Good Old Games (gog.com), and it's compatible with all Windows operating systems from XP through 8. If you enjoyed the “Bioshock” games you owe it to yourself to experience their spiritual predecessor.